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Islamabad: The Centre for Afghanistan, Middle East and Africa (CAMEA) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI), under its Ambassador’s Platform, hosted a well-attended public talk titled “Pakistan–Iran Relations: An Enduring Partnership in a Changing Region.” The session featured H.E. Reza Amiri-Moghaddam, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Pakistan; Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman, Board of Governors, ISSI; and Dr. Amina Khan, Director CAMEA.
Addressing the audience, Ambassador Reza Amiri-Moghaddam underscored the deep-rooted ties between Pakistan and Iran, noting that the two neighboring countries share a long border and together represent a population of nearly 350 million people. He highlighted strong people-to-people linkages, strategic geography, and complementary economic structures as key factors creating vast opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation.
The Ambassador emphasized that both countries maintain closely aligned positions on several regional and international issues, including the question of Palestine. He pointed out that terrorism and separatist movements remain serious shared challenges, requiring enhanced coordination and intelligence cooperation between the two neighbors.
He further noted that Pakistan and Iran collaborate actively through multilateral forums such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), and the Developing Eight Organization for Economic Cooperation (D-8).
Highlighting the positive trajectory of bilateral relations, Ambassador Reza stated that ties are currently experiencing one of their most constructive phases in recent decades. Over the past two years, more than 25 high-level delegations have been exchanged, and 25 agreements and memoranda of understanding have been signed across diverse sectors. Two presidential visits from Iran, along with visits by the Speaker of Parliament, the Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, foreign ministers, and other senior officials, reflect the depth and dynamism of engagement. He also pointed to the immense economic potential of regional connectivity, noting that Pakistan and Iran, together with regional partners including Turkiye, represent a vast market capable of serving nearly two billion people. He concluded that bilateral relations are anchored in shared history, cultural affinity, and convergent strategic interests.
Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman ISSI Board of Governors, observed that Pakistan and Iran are brotherly nations bound by history, culture, and faith. He recalled that Iran was the first country to recognize Pakistan after its independence and extended support during the 1965 and 1971 wars. While acknowledging that relations have faced occasional strains, he emphasized that both countries are closer today than ever before. Despite challenges such as terrorism and sectarianism, he affirmed that Islamabad and Tehran remain committed to peaceful cooperation in an evolving and often volatile regional environment.
Dr. Amina Khan, Director CAMEA, highlighted that Pakistan–Iran relations are rooted in geographic proximity and intertwined security and economic interests. She described recent engagement as forward-looking and marked by sustained high-level dialogue and coordination on regional and global developments. She underscored alignment on key issues, particularly Afghanistan, the situation in Gaza, and the broader objective of ensuring regional peace and stability. Referring to last year’s 12-day Israeli aggression, she noted that Pakistan strongly condemned Israel’s military strikes against Iran, terming them reckless provocations and a grave violation of Iran’s sovereignty, international law, and the UN Charter.
The event was attended by diplomats, academics, students, practitioners, and members of civil society, and concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session, reflecting keen interest in the evolving trajectory of Pakistan–Iran relations in a rapidly changing regional landscape.
